As we honor Women’s History Month, I am reminded of the remarkable legacy of Janie Porter Barrett, a pioneer in providing stable homes for African American children. Her story, rooted in compassion and resilience, mirrors the mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County to ensure every child finds a safe and permanent home.
Reflecting on CASA’s success in increasing the number of children served, from 1% to an im-pressive 11%, I am filled with pride and hope. Each percentage point represents a child whose life has been touched by the unwavering commitment of our volunteers and staff. It embodies our dedication to placing children in stable environments where they can thrive.
Mrs. Barrett’s legacy resonates deeply with our work at CASA. She began providing services for African American children in 1890, creating the first African American settlement, Locust Street, in Hampton, Virginia. Her dedication led to the establishment of the Virginia Industrial School for Colored Girls in 1915, providing a nurturing environment for delinquent or orphaned girls.
Similarly, CASA strives to create a supportive and caring environment for children and youth in foster care. Our volunteers, like the African American Club women who supported Mrs. Barrett, stand as beacons of hope for these vulnerable children and youth. CASA request emergency vic-tim services that are appropriate for each child victim’s needs and fears around their specific trauma. Additionally, immediate completed integrated assessment and psychological evaluations are requested for our child victims that can shed light on the appropriate child/youth therapeutic services needed. Persistent, fact-finding advocacy for our children ensures that they receive the therapeutic services towards a complete healing and that their best interests are prioritized.
The journey to 11% is not just a statistic; it represents Black children lives transformed and fu-tures brightened. This percentage also reflects our commitment to honoring the legacy of trail-blazers like Janie Porter Barrett, who paved the way for innovative approaches to child welfare.
As we continue our journey, let us remember the words of Hastings Hart from the Russell Sage Foundation, who advised Mrs. Barrett: “Create an environment with caring and accepting atti-tudes.” This sentiment echoes in the work of CASA and the Barrett Learning Center, which still exists today as a testament to the power of stable homes and nurturing environments.
This Women’s History Month, let us celebrate the legacy of women like Janie Porter Barrett and the strides we have made in providing stable homes for children. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one child at a time.
